Arizona District to Fine Teachers Who Break Their Contract (AZ)

April 28, 2011

The Fountain Hill Unified School District in Arizona is adding a new clause to teachers’ contracts starting next year that would allow them to fine those who quit up to $1,500, The Arizona Republic reports. Teachers will be required to obtain board approval for a resignation while the contract is still active.

The new clause will classify resignation without prior approval an “unprofessional act” and is mostly targeting teachers who resign mid-year. The fine would not be levied in cases where the teacher resigns in lieu of an imminent dismissal.

In a statement announcing the change, the district said that they were looking to recoup costs of replacing the teacher or possibly finding a substitute as well as:

    “…the emotional expense to the students who will not have the stability of a single teacher.”

The fine, which will be capped at $1,500 and levied at the district’s discretion, will be withheld from the teacher’s last paycheck. In cases where that’s not possible, the school di strict may sue to collect it.

    According to state statutes, a teacher who breaks a contract could be subject to suspension or the possibility of losing his or her teaching certificate.

Paul McElligott, the president of the Fountain Hills Education Association, said that the new contract clause was brought in after issues were raised on both sides:

    “We’ve seen teachers do things they shouldn’t and breaking their contracts